From Pokémon to the Premier League: London Card Show Brings Star Power and Rare Collectibles

London, December 2024 – The London Card Show is gearing up for its most spectacular event yet, as it returns for its 15th edition on the 8th and 9th of February 2025. Held at the iconic Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey, just a short drive from London, the show is set to welcome over 7,000 attendees over the weekend and host more than 800 tables of vendors, making it Europe’s largest gathering for trading card enthusiasts.

The two-day event promises an unforgettable experience for fans of trading cards, anime, pop culture, and sports. With celebrity guests, rare and valuable cards and collectibles, and interactive activities, this show is a must-visit for the UK’s card community and pop culture fans.

Star-Studded Lineup: Matthew Sussman and Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa Join the Show

The 15th edition will feature an exclusive appearance by Matthew Sussman, the official voice of iconic Pokemon character Meowth - one of the few Pokémons who can talk, and a key member of Team Rocket in the long-running Pokémon anime series. Flying in from America, Sussman will connect with fans during meet-and-greet sessions and a special Q&A, where he’ll share insights about his experience working in the cult animation, and voicing Meowth, a character beloved by generations.

With over 1,100 episodes, 23 feature films, and numerous spin-offs, Pokémon is one of the longest-running animated franchises of all time. Sussman’s participation underscores the show’s commitment to bringing iconic guests and being the favourite gathering place for anime fans.

Adding to the star-studded lineup, former professional footballer Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa will also make a special appearance. Known for his larger-than-life personality and impressive career as a striker, Akinfenwa has played for clubs such as Swansea City, Millwall, Wycombe Wanderers, and AFC Wimbledon. Fans will have the opportunity to engage with Akinfenwa during a Q&A session and meet him during an exclusive signing event.

Over the past few years, the London Card Show has hosted a stellar array of talent, including Veronica Taylor (the original voice of Ash Ketchum) and Tara Sands (voice of Bulbasaur), as well as sports legends like Arsenal and England football icon Paul Merson and players such as David James, Emile Heskey, John Barnes, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Carlton Cole. Renowned content creators and celebrities like elrubiusOMG (who has over 40 million YouTube subscribers), jaackmaate, and the comedians Nick Frost and Guz Khan have also graced past events, solidifying the show’s status as a hub for collectors and pop culture fans and even celebs who love cards!

Rare and Iconic Cards: Showcasing the Best of the Best

Some of the world’s most iconic, rare, and highly valuable trading cards will be on display at the London Card Show, including:

• The Messi-Ronaldo Dual Auto Superfractor card, consigned at the August 2024 show and later sold for £67,000.
• A one-of-a-kind Superfractor 1/1 Wolverine Topps Chrome card, unveiled at November 2023’s show and currently valued at £140,000.
• The Gold-plated Pikachu card, which sold for thousands at the May 2024 show.
• The No Rarity Japanese Base Set Charizard from 1996, worth an estimated £16,000.
• A 1/1 Hulk card from Topps’ Marvel Chrome Sapphire series.

These legendary collectibles highlight the London Card Show’s reputation as a premier destination for enthusiasts and collectors.

Europe’s Largest Card Show

As the largest card show in Europe, the London Card Show continues to reflect the booming interest in trading cards across all genres, including football, NBA, NFL, F1, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Marvel, Disney, Lorcana, and more. Compared to last year, the February edition will feature a 33% increase in floor space to accommodate more vendors, trading zones, and interactive areas. It will also feature a lineup of activities catering to enthusiasts of all ages and interests. From family-friendly zones to an exclusive VIP lounge, the London Card Show offers something for everyone. The event’s highlights include:

• Main Stage Activities: A packed schedule of live streams, box breaks, and Q&A sessions with influencers like PokiChloe and PokeDean.
• Interactive Zones: Attendees can explore the Retro Gaming Zone, Trade Zone, and a special Kids Zone.
• Kids Zone: Workshops with artists and interactive activities to inspire creativity among young fans.
• Trade Night: A dedicated Saturday evening session where collectors can trade and connect in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Creator Studio & Live Streaming Zone: Opportunities for influencers and attendees to share their passion with a global audience.

Founder and CEO Harry Reynolds shared his excitement about the upcoming event: “The 15th London Card Show is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet. With nearly 7,000 attendees expected, we’re thrilled to see how this community continues to grow and evolve.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this event is an opportunity to celebrate a shared love of trading cards.”

Since its inception in 2021, the London Card Show has grown exponentially, reflecting the explosive popularity of trading cards in the UK and beyond. What started with 10 tables and 40 attendees has now become a global hub for collectors and enthusiasts.

Tickets for the London Card Show are on sale now at www.londoncardshow.co.uk. Join thousands of fans at Sandown Park Racecourse on the 8th and 9th of February 2025 for a weekend of trading, nostalgia, and excitement. Whether you’re a Pokémon fan, a sports enthusiast, or a lover of rare collectibles, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

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Editors notes

Editor’s Notes

For media enquiries or interviews with Founder & CEO Harry Reynolds and COO Katie Hughes, please contact gazal@plus1comms.com.

Tickets can be purchased at www.londoncardshow.co.uk.

About London Card Show

Founded in 2021, the London Card Show was set up with a singular mission: to bring card collectors of all types under one roof. What initially began as a gathering of 10 tables and 40 attendees has since blossomed into a spectacular weekend-long event, attracting over 7,000 enthusiasts from across the globe. Their journey has been ignited by the passion of fans, having recently been crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year!

Harry Reynolds, Founder & CEO of the London Card Show

Harry Reynolds, a natural-born entrepreneur, embarked on his journey at a young age, continually seeking innovative ways to seize opportunities and bridge market gaps. His passion for trading cards began during university, where he turned a £10 investment into an impressive £10,000 after discovering the value of cards. Harry's YouTube live streams and TikTok presence catapulted him into the UK card community, where he gained recognition for his unique trading card mystery box breaks. With unwavering determination, he pioneered the London Card Show, and saw it evolve from a small gathering to Europe's largest card event. Harry's dedication has led to global recognition, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive card community for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

Katie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the London Card Show

Katie Hughes, driven by a passion for creativity ignited during her school years, found her true calling in the world of marketing. After a marketing degree at university and six rewarding years within Hard Rock Cafe's marketing department, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the London Card Show. Initially unsure of what to expect from the card industry, she quickly fell in love with it. Her marketing strategy thrived on ingenuity, emphasising community engagement over traditional methods and achieving an exceptional 7% engagement rate, far surpassing industry standards. Her dedication and vision were instrumental in propelling the London Card Show to unprecedented success, doubling attendance and vendor tables within a year. Her dedication to her role, her family's support, and her commitment to the event's success have made her an indispensable asset to the London Card Show's remarkable transformation.

Matthew Sussman 

Sussman has appeared in numerous films, including Kate & Leopold and Pollock, in which he played the artist Reuben Kadish. Sussman also appeared in three episodes of The Sopranos in 2000 and 2002 as Dr. Douglas Schreck. Other films include John Turturro's Mac and Illuminata. His television work includes appearances in Sex and the City, Law & Order, and the short-lived Peter Berg series Wonderland.

He worked as a voice actor on many anime dubs, primarily for 4Kids Entertainment. He was the original voice of Meowth in “Pokémon” as well as creating the voice of Slowking in “Pokémon the Movie.” He also voiced Gravos and King Moros in Slayers Next.